Shrubs to trees, sometimes climbers without exudate. Leaves usually simple, usually alternate and spiral, entire (sometimes lobed), petiole sometimes with a groove on upper side. Stipules absent. Inflorescence cymose. Flowers 5-merous, small calyx, 5-petals free, white, alternating with the stamens, ovary superior, 3-locular, but usually only one developing fully. Fruit a drupe.
General info
Family that is characterized by lack of characteristic characters!!! Distribution Mostly tropical Africa. With 34 genera. Ecology Often in closed forest, as understorey to canopy components. Uses Some species used for their timber. Similar to Many plant families, making this a difficult to recognize group of plants.
Family description
Shrubs to trees, sometimes climbers without exudate.Leaves usually simple, usually alternate and spiral, entire (sometimes lobed), petiole sometimes with a groove on upper side. Stipules absent.
Inflorescence cymose.
Flowers 5-merous, small calyx, 5-petals free, white, alternating with the stamens, ovary superior, 3-locular, but usually only one developing fully.
Fruit a drupe.
General info
Family that is characterized by lack of characteristic characters!!!Distribution Mostly tropical Africa. With 34 genera.
Ecology Often in closed forest, as understorey to canopy components.
Uses Some species used for their timber.
Similar to Many plant families, making this a difficult to recognize group of plants.
Treated genera
Icacinaceae.pdf
Apodytes dimidiata
Gonocaryum calleryanum
Pittosporopsis kerrii